South Cardiff Ministry Area Leader shortlisted for major Welsh literary award
The Diocese is delighted to congratulate Fr Dean Atkins, Ministry Area Leader for South Cardiff Ministry Area, who has been shortlisted for the 2026 Rhys Davies Short Story Award, one of Wales’ leading literary prizes. His shortlisted story, Blackthorn Winter, is one of just twelve stories selected from entries submitted by writers with a connection to Wales.
The Rhys Davies Short Story Award celebrates the best unpublished short fiction written in English, welcoming stories of up to 5,000 words on any subject or in any style. The award has a distinguished history of recognising emerging and established Welsh literary talent.
Being shortlisted is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Fr Dean’s creative skill and storytelling voice. The winner will be announced in September, with the shortlisted stories to be published in a new anthology in October 2026.
The Diocese offers its warmest congratulations to Fr Dean on this significant accomplishment and looks forward to celebrating the publication of the collection later this year.
You can find out more about the shortlist HERE